1980 XS650 Cafe Build

mattylmbr · Aug 24, 2019

Welp - undertook the wiring project today. Had initially started thinking I would go with a Motogadget M unit - but the more I have learned - went the 'simple' route. Kick only - for this project. Had another thread looking at ignition location options and went with underneath the seat for now - toggle under seat pan up front to kick the lights on after she is running, and kill switch is the 'stock' 2016 controls from the Donor R6 front end I put on the bike.

For my first time, I am pretty happy.
And - it all works.

cafetools · Aug 24, 2019

You bought the seat mount kit from tuffside?

wannabridin · Aug 25, 2019

looking great! did progressive build those 490's for you? They dont offer them on their site directly...

mattylmbr · Aug 25, 2019

cafetools said:
You bought the seat mount kit from tuffside?

I did. But will probably upgrade a few of the bits to stainless now that I am further into my build.

mattylmbr · Aug 25, 2019

wannabridin said:
looking great! did progressive build those 490's for you? They dont offer them on their site directly...

They did not. They are part number 490-1013. They are for a Triumph maybe? But - they are a direct fit (with the proper bushings), and they gave me the center to center I wanted/needed for my build. I am sure I will have to dial them in once I am road worth .

mattylmbr · Jan 28, 2020

Been a while - so some updated progress photos, etc. Ended up going with a Motogadget M unit, battery and Motogadget M lock - so - we are fully keyless - and still kick only for starting. Battery size is bigger than needed for kick only, but, I had purchased it to go electric start originally and it definitely won’t run out of juice.

Also got the LSL headlight on from Cognito, along with the LSL headlight brackets. And - finally EBC front rotors and got the stock R6 calipers mounted and bled. Also got my anodized Cognito Rearsets mounted and hooked up.

Getting closer. Final bits will be getting the headers ceramic coated, and stainless cones. Outside of that, just minor things to clean it up.

A full engine rebuild is in the future with a full case vapor honing, but not getting ahead of myself.

gggGary · Jan 28, 2020

Looking GOOD!

wannabridin · Jan 28, 2020

Looks AWESOME!

Why do the carbs look wonky?

mattylmbr · Jan 28, 2020

wannabridin said:
Looks AWESOME!

Why do the carbs look wonky?

Funny, wonky is a great word.

And, because they are, kind of. One of the filters has a tear in the rubber and doesn’t sit properly. So, it’s the filter that is off. Not the carbs. New k&n’s are on the to do list.

Bewarethemoon · Jan 28, 2020

Looking so sweet Matty!

member28833 · Jan 28, 2020

mattylmbr said:
They are part number 490-1013. They are for a Triumph maybe? But - they are a direct fit (with the proper bushings), and they gave me the center to center I wanted/needed for my build

Can you tell us the eye to eye center dimension you are using?
Standard frame? And whether you have tested the chain fitment yet?
Thanks, -RT

wannabridin · Jan 28, 2020

I'd stick w/ Uni's, better laminar airflow through the carb body. Now if you REALLY wanna get crazy (i'm doing these on my bobber build someday), throw some of Messner's stacks on there! https://messnermoto.com/product/triple-velocity-stack-uni-air-filter-53-54-55mm/

Otherwise, stacks inside uni filters are a good idea (cut down the anti-collapse spring some and wiggle a stack in there.

Brassneck · Jan 28, 2020

Looks great! Curious about your rearset and kicker set up...any pics?

Bewarethemoon · Jan 28, 2020

wannabridin said:
I'd stick w/ Uni's, better laminar airflow through the carb body. Now if you REALLY wanna get crazy (i'm doing these on my bobber build someday), throw some of Messner's stacks on there! https://messnermoto.com/product/triple-velocity-stack-uni-air-filter-53-54-55mm/

Otherwise, stacks inside uni filters are a good idea (cut down the anti-collapse spring some and wiggle a stack in there.

I’ve seen those Messner stacks, do you reckon they’d perform better that standard Uni’s?

mattylmbr · Jan 28, 2020

Machine said:
Can you tell us the eye to eye center dimension you are using?
Standard frame? And whether you have tested the chain fitment yet?
Thanks, -RT

Bike is a 1980 Special - so - it is the special, not standard, frame. I think that is what you were asking. Modified the rear hoop (and a few other bits) but the suspension points are in the normal locations.

The C to C on the Progressive shocks is 14.25” (out of the box, not including sag) and I have dry fit the chain only. Didn’t appear to have clearance issues - but - I will be doing a full install of the chain now that the front end is buttoned up and I will follow back up w a post.

mattylmbr · Jan 28, 2020

Brassneck said:
Looks great! Curious about your rearset and kicker set up...any pics?

Traveling right now - but - here are the best pics I have. It is the Cognito Rearsets and Cognito XS650 brackets. I need to get a new kick from MikesXS, as he has one with a little more clearance (which also can be bent if needed - stock ones are almost impossible). With the folding peg it BARELY makes it by the peg when folded up. But - a new kick and some elbow grease will solve that. Quality of the Cognito stuff is great. Took a bit to get the right angles and locations - but works great.

k

Brassneck · Jan 28, 2020

Cognito's look great! I have always found that the toe peg is the hardest part to figure out how to clear the kicker, as they don't often fold up. If yours clears, then you may have found the magic formula of correct peg length, correct rearset mounting location, and correct style of rearset to work with our bikes.

mattylmbr · Jan 28, 2020

Brassneck said:
Cognito's look great! I have always found that the toe peg is the hardest part to figure out how to clear the kicker, as they don't often fold up. If yours clears, then you may have found the magic formula of correct peg length, correct rearset mounting location, and correct style of rearset to work with our bikes.

It’s AWFUL close and needs a hair more work, but confident it is going to work w a new kick.

wannabridin · Jan 28, 2020

Bewarethemoon said:
I’ve seen those Messner stacks, do you reckon they’d perform better that standard Uni’s?

100% yes. Messner is a FANTASTIC designer/engineer/machinist. I am beyond jealous of his skills and dedication. I believe he's done the appropriate CFD to help these perform, especially on a non-CV carb. The "triple stack" helps smooth out the airflow nicely, so you get good atomization. You'll have to tune for them of course....

mattylmbr · Jan 28, 2020

wannabridin said:
100% yes. Messner is a FANTASTIC designer/engineer/machinist. I am beyond jealous of his skills and dedication. I believe he's done the appropriate CFD to help these perform, especially on a non-CV carb. The "triple stack" helps smooth out the airflow nicely, so you get good atomization. You'll have to tune for them of course....

Thought VM34’s are 57mm? Would these work?

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